My child with autism still isn't using words. Does that mean he'll never improve?
Spoken language is only one way for human beings to communicate, and it's by no means the most basic -- nor the most significant -- when it comes to measuring intelligence or anticipating longterm outcomes, according to Dr. James Coplan, a developmental pediatrician and author. In fact, as he explains, many children with autism may be extremely delayed in use of spoken language, for many reasons (physical problems among them).
Much more critical than spoken language, says Coplan, is communication. If your child takes your hand to guide you, he is communicating. If he uses gestures, he is communicating. If he can master picture cards, signs, or other methods of connecting with another human being, he is communicating.
Coplan explains, "You shouldn't use language as the rock to stand on to estimate a child's intelligence, because you're likely to grossly underestimate his intelligence.... [The] ability to develop spoken language varies as a result of physical and/or language disorders; but a prognosis or a measure of IQ is not dependent upon spoken language."
"They used to say 'if they're not talking by five it's a bad sign,'" said Dr. Coplan. Today, though, we understand that communication, intelligence and verbal ability are not one and the same. Even if your child is not talking, there's a good chance that his intelligence - and long term prognosis - may both be good.
Sources:
Interview with Dr. James Coplan, MD. Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Children's Seashore House of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. June, 2008
Coplan, James. Counseling Parents Regarding Prognosis in Autistic Spectrum Disorder. PEDIATRICS Vol. 105 No. 5 May 2000, p. e65 ELECTRONIC ARTICLE
